Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was actually the first choice for Mother India. The script was written with her in mind. Mehboob Khan, the director, travelled to the 2000s via time machine to discuss the project and Aishwarya was all set to sign on the dotted lines. Unfortunately, the Bachchans locked her up in the bathroom and Mehboob Khan couldn't wait any longer and had to travel back and sign Nargis 



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